Category Archives: News

Bike Pic Aug 9, riding alongside a vintage high wheeler

Riding with something old. Here in the HaveFunBiking Pic of the Day, cyclist have the opportunity to ride alongside a vintage high wheeler bicycle. You can see more of these high wheeler bikes, and early models of the early 1900’s at the Cycling Museum of Minnesota.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

hanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking. 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike. While showcasing all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Aug 8, riding out to the mountain bike trail

These ladies, with miles of smiles, are riding their bikes out to Stahls Lake Park, a family fun single track mountain bike trail system north of Hutchinson, MN.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

hanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking. 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike. While showcasing all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Farmers’ Markets – Biking to Deliciousness

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

One of the many joys of summer is to enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden. However, not all of us have the time and space to raise these foods ourselves. That’s where farmers’ markets come into play and the Twin Cities Gateway (TCG) has you covered when you are in the area. Between the nine communities that make up the Gateway, there are six farmers’ markets for you to choose from. Great places to pick up the couple things you want for a healthy snack or a fun destination for a bike outing.

A perfect time to bike to the farmers market in the Twin Cities Gateway for some healthy treats.

A perfect time to bike to the farmers’ market in the Twin Cities Gateway for some healthy treats.

All of these farmers’ markets are up and running, just waiting for you come and take a look around. The majority of the farmers’ markets in the TCG end in October, making them the perfect place to grab all your favorite produce during the changing seasons. Break out your bikes and take a ride to deliciousness.

Farmers’ Markets

 

New Brighton

3000 5th St NW New Brighton, MN 55112

From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, the New Brighton Farmers’ Market is open. A great place to get your produce for the week and more. Need to find a last minute gift for someone? Check out Mousework Glass’ stand and peruse their new pieces. Refill on some cleaning supplies with limited chemicals at the Norwex stand. If you are starting to feel the summer heat while looking at the stands upon stands of produce, grab an ice cream cone from Grandpa’s Ice Cream. Before you leave with your new treasures, grab some homemade pretzels for the road from Tübinger Bakery.

Anoka

420 E. Main Street Anoka, MN 55303
Keep away the Monday blues by paying a visit to Anoka’s Farmers’ Market on Monday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Right in the parking lot of Lyric Arts you can get what you need for the week.

Blaine

707 89th Ave NE Blaine, MN 55434

Blaine gives you two opportunities to go to the farmers’ market. Tuesdays 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon.

Lino Lakes

7690 Village Drive Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Check out their Farmers’ Market open on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to see their freshest produce.

Shoreview

4580 Victoria Street North Shoreview, MN 44126
Shoreview is open Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. but have slightly different hours from the end of September to October.
Tuesdays from September 27 to October 18, the hours change to 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. so make sure to make note and not be late.

Fridley

6085 7th St NE Fridley, MN 55432
Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon is when you can check out Fridley’s Farmers’ Market.

So strap a basket onto your bike and grab some great food and gifts.

Bike Pic August 5, ice cream smiles Friday!

Like the ice cream bike tour at the La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival all social rides and events are suitable for families, kids, and easy riding. They leave from Cameron Park, in the downtown area, at the designated times making frequent stops and have a leader and volunteers to guide the ride through the city. For scenic country bike tours and mountain bike actives see schedule.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Twin Cities Gateway: Exploring Sports

A Bike Ride that Will Tease the Inner Psyche of Any Sports Fan

Devin Ulman, HaveFunBiking.com

With miles of bike routes and trails in the Twin Cities Gateway, the area offers sports fans many phenomenal sights and sports facilities to venture to while biking here. Many will find one complex a place worth visiting. The National Sports Center (NSC) is located in Blaine, MN and is the world’s largest amateur sport facility. Home to numerous national and international teams, the center welcomes all varieties of sports and spectators. Containing more than fifty athletic fields and a super ice rink, this sports center is a must see. Additionally, it is also home to the NSC Velodrome – for bicycle track racing. So, if you are a sports fan and biking down the Mississippi River Trail, this is one destination you won’t want to bypass. 

The soccer stadium here is a sports fan haven

For any sports fan the 50-plus athletic fields and soccer stadium sets the stage for world class tournaments.

For any sports fan the 50-plus athletic fields and soccer stadium sets the stage for world-class tournaments.

The NSC Soccer Stadium is the most intimate sporting site in the state with each seat offering  a spectacular view and excitement as the game goes on. Home to the Minnesota United FC, soccer games include U.S. Women’s National Team matches and tournaments with the English Premier League. The stadium also hosts adult and youth matches that are fun to watch.

Catch a game and cool off 

For any sports fan the Schwan Super Rink is the largest ice arena of its kind in the world.

For any sports fan, the Schwan Super Rink is the largest ice arena of its kind in the world.

On a hot summer day, when looking for a fun location to cool off, bike on over to the Schwan Super Rink. As the largest ice arena of its kind in the world, the super rink contains eight sheets of ice under the same roof. Four are capable of hosting NHL games and four are Olympic-sized sheets that host the USA International Hockey Cup. Perfect for fans of hockey, speed skating, figure skating, or broom ball. Numerous major events can be viewed in this unique facility.

Velodrome racing has been called the “NASCAR on Two Wheels”

 

NSC Velodrome racing is a perfect place for cyclists to gain an amazing experience or enjoy viewing the action during their own bicycling expedition. The only outdoor wood-plank velodrome in the United States, this exclusive track hosts numerous events for professionals and amateurs. Including Olympic and International Grand Prix events, there are also community rides and training lessons. So, for those who want to develop their biking skill and get a unique experience, check it out. If you are passionate about cycling, or just bike for recreation, then the Velodrome is a premier destination for entertainment. 

Bike Pic August 4, a family fun mountain biking experience

A family fun mountain biking experience on the Gadbolt Lake Loop, near Walker, MN. Also checkout the Hanson Lake loop in the Area when visiting the area.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Biking to Good Times – Stockyard Days

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

The Twin Cities Gateway is known for having nine wonderful communities. In typical Minnesota hometown fashion, they each have a festival. This weekend kicks off nine days of fun in New Brighton. Stockyard Days, in their 35th year, will be fun for the entire family, taking place in Long Lake Regional Park. Ride your bike or come by car to this celebration. You won’t want to skip it.

Sunday at Stockyard Days

Sunday, August 7th starts off the events with a golf tournament at Brightwood Hills Golf Course. Gather a team of four to play and vie for one of many prizes, including best team name. There will also be prizes for men and women for closest to the pin, longest drive, and longest putt. The tournament starts at 8 a.m. so join in the fun or come watch some great golf.

Stockyard Days bike sprints will give you a taste of NASCAR Racing on two wheels.

Stockyard Days bike sprints will give you a taste of NASCAR Racing on two wheels.

Sunday is also the date of the first annual Bike Sprints. The racing starts at 10 a.m. and is an event you will want to attend. The high energy surrounding the event with cyclists whizzing by as fast as they can, fills everyone attending with excitement.

Monday

Monday, August 8th, at 5 p.m. opens the Medallion Hunt. Clues are posted at City Hall each day and participants search the 12 city parks and the community center to find the Medallion. The winner is presented with $125, but here’s a tip. If you plan on participating, buy a button by August 7th to double the prize.

Wednesday is Kids Day

If you and the kids can only make it to Stockyard Days one day, make it Wednesday. That night is when the kiddie parade takes place, ending in the park. Kids get to dress up in costumes and decorate their bikes to ride through the parade route. Prizes go to best costume and best bike decoration. That night BikeMN will be putting on a bike rodeo for kids. Here they will learn more about safety while biking and practice the new skills they learned. The fun continues in the park with a screening of Disney’s movie “Zootopia”.

Thursday

Mark your calendar for Thursday at 6 p.m. since this is the day that The Stockyard Days parade rolls through town. See businesses, politicians, clowns, bands, and visiting royalty. The parade makes for a great Thursday night and a good way to snag some candy.

Friday

Friday night kicks off the street dances. Live music in the park by Bad Girlfriends will have you singing and dancing along to a variety of music. From the bands Journey to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Maroon 5 to Dixie Chicks, and everything in between, it promises to be a great night.

Saturday

Saturday really packed in the events. Starting with the 5K, 10K, Kid’s run in the morning. Then, the New London to New Brighton Car Run will take place. Check out classic cars as they drive through town. In the park from 3 to 6 p.m. is a fantastic one man band, Wayne and the Boys, with a great taste in music. Fireworks will be at dusk to “oo” and “ah” the crowd. Finally, Ladies of the 80’s band will wrap up the night from 7 to 11 p.m. with a great tribute to music legends across the decades.

Sunday

Wave and cheer on the Stockyard Days Parade Royalty.

Wave and cheer on the New Brighton Ambassadors at the parade.

Sunday, August 14th starts with a car show and swap meet in the park. At noon, head over to the semi-finals of the talent show. The final round begins at 3 p.m., to find the winner of New Brighton Idol. The festival ends with the crowning of the 2017 New Brighton Ambassadors.

Bike over to the Twin Cities Gateway for a week filled with fun, food, and music.

Bike Pic August 3, how far will her bicycle go?

With a mischievous look, how far will her bike go? This photo was taken on the Inaugural Mississippi River Trail Ride, in May of 2012, between Itasca State Park and Bemidji, MN.  See some of thee other fun bike tours HaveFunBiking ran that year and in 2013.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic August 2, BikeMN angel looking out for MRT riders safety

Here cyclists enjoying the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) with the BikeMN angel (van) looking out for their safety. This HFB photo was taken on June 25, as riders rode back from Big Lake, MN to Minneapolis on the Train & Trail Tour.  See all the photos at HaveFunBiking’s Facebook Page Photo Gallery.

BikeMN (Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota) has a vision to make “Minnesota a place where bicycling is a easy, safe, and fun for everyone.”

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic August 1, fun with friends cruising down the trails

A morning mountain bike ride with friends is fun when cruising down the trail near Lakeville, MN at the popular Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!